Which Cereal Has Glyphosate in It?
(What Cereal to Avoide Explained)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the active ingredients in Monsanto’s Roundup glyphosate herbicide to cancer, yet the manufacturers continue to ignore these serious health concerns. This chemical is found in one of the most common breakfast foods, but what does that mean for your health?

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, our experienced Roundup attorneys have the expertise and resources to take on major corporations. While you focus on your recovery, we can file a lawsuit and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

With over twenty years of experience, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case in detail. Could you be entitled to significant compensation? Find out how we can help.

Quick Summary

• Glyphosate is an herbicide commonly used as a pre-harvest treatment for oats and wheat.
• Glyphosate is also used as a pre-harvest treatment for wheat flour, which can lead to its presence in various food products.
• A study found that glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) raise the risk of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) by 41%.

What Is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a synthetic compound used to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses by blocking amino acids, which are crucial for plant growth. It is the main active ingredient in Roundup, one of the most popular weed killers in the world.

Monsanto’s Roundup has resulted in the company settling over 100,000 lawsuits for more than $10 billion. Despite this, they are currently facing 30,000 additional lawsuits and continue to deny that it causes cancer [1].

Glyphosate exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion and can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Inhalation of glyphosate can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [2].

Unfortunately, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Organic oats are an alternative to glyphosate-treated crops, as they are grown without synthetic herbicides.

Related Article: Glyphosate Lawsuits Update (2023)

Why Is Glyphosate in Cereals?

Glyphosate is in cereals because it is used during the harvesting process. When used as a pre-harvest treatment, glyphosate helps dry out the oats so that they can be more easily harvested [3].

Glyphosate is also used to control weeds and other unwanted vegetation in fields where oats are grown. In organic farming operations, glyphosate may be used as an alternative to synthetic herbicides [4].

When used in this way, it can help to promote healthy plant growth and prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases. As a result, organic farmers often rely on glyphosate to produce high-quality crops.

Several popular types of breakfast cereals contain glyphosate levels higher than what the Environmental Working Group (EWG) considers safe for children’s health [5]. The EWG children’s health benchmark sets a safety threshold of 160 ppb for glyphosate in cereals, which many popular brands exceed.

Which Cereal Contains the Most Glyphosate Residues?

The Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch cereal contains the most glyphosate residues. It contains 833 parts per billion (ppb) of this chemical.

It is important to note that the maximum dose considered safe by the Environmental Working Group is 160 ppb [6].

Considering that Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios also contain a very high level of glyphosate (729 ppb and 400 ppb, consecutively).

In addition, according to a test run by EWG, Monsanto’s weedkiller still contaminates foods marketed to kids; Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars contain glyphosate levels above EWG’s health benchmark [7].

How to Avoid Glyphosate Exposure in Cereals?

To avoid glyphosate exposure in cereals, you might want to buy organic cereals since organic farmers are not allowed to use pesticides on their crops.

You can also look for products that are certified glyphosate-free by third-party organizations like the Detox Project.

In addition, you can minimize your exposure to this controversial herbicide by cooking organic foods more often at home since glyphosate is typically used on processed foods.

Did the FDA Recall Cereals Contain Glyphosate?

No, the FDA didn’t recall cereals containing glyphosate. They have been testing cereals for glyphosate for several years and have not found levels of the herbicide that would pose a health concern.

In the fiscal year 2016, the FDA developed a streamlined selective residue method (SRM) for testing for glyphosate residues. They test cereals for glyphosate and will take action if levels of the herbicide become a concern for public human health [8].

It is worth noting that a dozen countries have banned or restricted the sale of glyphosate, but it is still legal in most parts of the United States.

Does Glyphosate Cause Cancer?

Yes, glyphosate does cause cancer. A study revealed that glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) increase the non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) risk by 41% [9].

Moreover, the IARC has classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen,” but this classification is based on limited evidence.

Due to the potential cancer risk and negative health effects, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has released a statement calling for an end to the use of glyphosate globally [10].

Additionally, in 2017, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) listed glyphosate as a substance that causes cancer [11].

Therefore, all California manufacturers and distributors of glyphosate-containing products are held liable for warning consumers about possible exposures to this cancer-causing chemical [12].

“There is a lot of controversy over the health effects of glyphosate, including whether there is an increased risk of cancer from glyphosate exposure. There is a mix of scientific evidence, although some studies have found a link between glyphosate exposure and increased risk of certain types of cancer.”
– Teresa Hagan Thomas, Scientist and Editor at Medicalnewstoday.com

On the other side, the European Food Safety Authority, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has determined that it is unlikely to be a carcinogen [13]. Comparatively, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes that glyphosate has no health risks when used as instructed [14].

What Is the Burden of Proof During a Roundup Claim?

The burden of proof during a Roundup claim lies with the plaintiff, who must demonstrate that exposure to Roundup caused their injury or illness. This typically involves providing evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and scientific studies linking glyphosate to cancer or other health issues.

To hold a large manufacturing company liable for your damages, you will need to gather evidence to prove three key elements:

1. First and foremost, you must prove that Roundup is defective. So to file a lawsuit, you must show that you have used the product as directed on the label and have a cancer diagnosis of NHL or other blood cancers, like follicular lymphoma, cell leukemia, and T-Cell lymphoma. You can prove you were exposed to the product through photographs, eyewitness testimony, or medical records.
2. Second, you need to prove that there is a link between your diagnosis and the herbicide. You must gather documents that prove that it caused your medical condition. 
3. Finally, after proving that it causes your illness, you need to gather evidence of how it resulted in damages, including medical expenses and emotional discomfort.

If you want to file a Roundup lawsuit, you need an attorney by your side so that he can start an investigation and gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim and ensure that your case is strong.

What Is the Average Settlement for Roundup Lawsuits?

The average settlement for Roundup lawsuits typically falls between $5,000 and $250,000 [15].

Settlement verdicts for the Roundup lawsuit vary depending on the damages the plaintiff experienced. Your lawyer won’t be able to give you an estimate of your compensation until after they establish your case details.

The goal of a Roundup lawsuit is to compensate the damages, physical, financial, or emotional, which you suffered as a result of the company’s actions, which may include:

• Loss of future earnings
• Emotional distress
• Physical pain
• Transportation fees to medical appointments
• Loss of quality of life
• Funeral expenses (if you lost family members)

However, several factors can impact the total value of compensation, such as the severity of the victim’s Roundup-related illness and how it affected their life.

FAQs

What Cereals Are High in Glyphosate?

Cereals that are high in glyphosate are the Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch, Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios, and Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars. 

Do All Cereals Contain Glyphosate?

No, not all cereals contain glyphosate. Some organic breakfast cereals are Kashi by Kids Organic Berry Crumble Cereal, Nature’s Path Organic Corn Puffs Gorilla Munch Cereal, and Annie’s Organic Cocoa Bunnies Cereal.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Attorneys

Cancer is an aggressive disease that has a huge impact on a person’s quality of life. If you or a loved one have developed cancer after using glyphosate products, the attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP can help. 

Our team provides services to individuals who suffered damages from Roundup to get the financial compensation they need from Bayer, the current manufacturer of Roundup.

Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm immediately to determine whether you are entitled to a settlement.

References:

1. https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html?vid=&uuid=0716f264-f253-11ed-9bc6-525461494845&url=L25ld3MvYXJ0aWNsZXMvMjAyMi0wNS0wMy9iYXllci1mYWNlcy1yb3VuZHVwLXRyaWFsLWZlYXR1cmluZy1leC1tb25zYW50by1jZW8tcy10ZXN0aW1vbnk=
2. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/130/6/e1765/30343/Pesticide-Exposure-in-Children
3. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/nutrition-101-how-to-eat-healthy
4. https://www.pan-europe.info/sites/pan-europe.info/files/public/resources/reports/Alternative%20methods%20in%20weed%20managment%20to%20glyphosate_PAN%20Europe_III.pdf
5. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2018/10/roundup-breakfast-part-2-new-tests-weed-killer-found-all-kids
6. https://www.ewg.org/research/breakfast-dose-roundup
7. https://www.wtoc.com/2019/06/13/cheerios-nature-valley-cereals-contain-roundup-ingredient-study-finds/
8. https://www.fda.gov/food/pesticides/questions-and-answers-glyphosate
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383574218300887
10. https://www.figo.org/removal-glyphosate-global-usage
11. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/glyphosate-listed-effective-july-7-2017-known-state-california-cause-cancer
12. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/about-proposition-65
13. https://www.fda.gov/food/pesticides/questions-and-answers-glyphosate
14. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate
15. https://www.getgordon.com/faqs/whats-the-average-payout-for-roundup-lawsuits/